In the News

This past weekend, on September 5th and 6th, Roaring Fork Leadership launched its 38th Academy class at Aspen Camp for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing. We are thrilled to welcome 35 participants from across the Roaring Fork and Colorado River valleys and from a wide range of industries and sectors - leaders who bring with them unique perspectives, passions, and commitments to strengthening our communities. The Academy opening retreat has long been a cornerstone of the program, setting the stage for the year ahead. Participants carpooled in together early Friday morning, beginning to build bonds by sharing what brought them [...]

By Andrea Palm-Porter, RFL Executive Director On Friday, August 22nd, I had the opportunity to attend the Colorado Civic Collaboratory gathering at the Iliff School of Theology, thanks to the warm hosting of Dr. Jeni Rinner and for Civic Canopy for creating the collaboratory. Twenty-five civic innovators came together to explore stories of upheaval—personal, collective, and civic—and to lean into the kind of meaningful dialogue that strengthens our communities. What made this convening unique wasn’t just the agenda, but the spirit of connection. This wasn’t “just another meeting.” Instead, it was a space where we built relationships, moved below the surface [...]

Applications Now Open: The Reimagined RFL Mastermind 2026 Roaring Fork Leadership is proud to announce that applications are now open for the RFL Mastermind Class of 2026 - a reimagined, 5-month leadership experience designed for mid- to senior-level professional women and underrepresented leaders who are ready to step into their full power. Launching this January, Mastermind offers a small-group, high-trust environment where participants deepen emotional intelligence, strengthen presence, and connect with a circle of peers who will both challenge and champion their growth. Why Join? Mutual support from a trusted, like-minded community Diverse perspectives that broaden your thinking Valuable resources and [...]

When Steven May (RFL Academy Class of 2017) co-founded RED, he set out to create more than just an architecture firm—he wanted to build a practice grounded in values, community, and lasting impact. That vision has not only shaped the firm’s approach to design, but also earned RED recent recognition as the 2024 Top Brass Outstanding Small Business of the Year and 2025 Locals’ Choice Best Architecture Firm. Steven’s leadership journey has been shaped by early experiences in the field, a commitment to continual growth, and the lessons he gained through RFL Academy, which continue to influence how he leads his [...]

Roaring Fork Leadership is now accepting proposals for Civic Impact Projects - transformational, community-centered initiatives that will serve as the capstone experience for the RFL Academy 2026 class. Each year, roughly 40 Academy participants are divided into teams of 6 to 8 emerging leaders from diverse professional backgrounds and sectors. Over the course of ten months (September through May), these teams partner with local organizations to address a real community challenge or advance a timely opportunity. The result: measurable, visible, and lasting impact - while helping develop the next generation of civic-minded leaders. Since launching the initiative, RFL has completed more [...]

Friday, October 10, 2025 | Lakota Links, New Castle Roaring Fork Leadership is thrilled to launch our first-ever golf tournament - and you’re invited to join us for a day of great golf, breathtaking views, and lasting community impact. On Friday, October 10, we’ll gather at Lakota Links, a stunning desert-style course known for its panoramic mountain vistas, vibrant fall colors, and the perfect mix of challenge and playability. But this isn’t just about golf - it’s about coming together to strengthen leadership in our region and ensure more people have access to the tools, connections, and confidence to lead. Why [...]

Every year, RFL’s Academy and Mastermind participants represent a cross-section of the Roaring Fork and Colorado River Valleys - nonprofit staff, small business owners, civic leaders, healthcare professionals, educators, and entrepreneurs. Many are early in their careers, working multiple jobs, or serving in fields that don’t provide professional development budgets. When you contribute, you: Remove financial barriers for emerging leaders with the drive and vision to make a difference Ensure every RFL cohort reflects a diversity of perspectives, backgrounds, and lived experiences Strengthen the leadership pipeline for local nonprofits, small businesses, and public service organizations Equip our region with more informed, [...]

Are you a Roaring Fork Leadership alumnus passionate about leadership development? Here’s an exciting opportunity to stay engaged and make a meaningful impact in 2026 by volunteering at our monthly Academy sessions. The Roaring Fork Leadership Academy continues its tradition of meeting on the first Friday of every month, and we’re looking for enthusiastic volunteers to support these sessions throughout the year. Volunteering is a unique way to: Refresh your leadership skills: Stay sharp by observing and participating in cutting-edge leadership training. Meet the new class: Connect with the emerging leaders in your community and see firsthand the talent and dedication [...]

On Saturday, July 26, during the vibrant Mountain Fair weekend in Carbondale, 22 dedicated volunteers from Roaring Fork Leadership came together to support this beloved community event. From 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., our volunteers enthusiastically served beer and mixed drinks, helping create a welcoming space for attendees to relax and enjoy the festivities. We were especially proud to see five participants from our upcoming Academy Class of 2026 join the effort, demonstrating early on their strong commitment to community involvement and leadership. Their participation highlights the spirit of service and connection that defines our next generation of leaders. Thanks to [...]

Wildfire Season Intensifies & Regional Collaboration Strengthens This summer, communities from Aspen to Parachute have experienced an early and active wildfire season. The Coulter Creek Fire near Carbondale, the Cottonwood Flat Fire in Parachute, early-season blazes in Garfield and Moffat counties, and large lightning-driven fires such as Turner Gulch, Sowbelly, and South Rim have served as stark reminders of how quickly conditions can escalate. As the season has intensified, counties across the region have taken steps to reduce risk. Garfield County implemented Stage 2 fire restrictions on July 17, while Pitkin County has been in Stage 1 fire restrictions since June [...]